Swimming pool cover



y 4, 1961 E. A. BENDER 2,990,556

SWIMMING POOL COVER Filed May 29, 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 I l R 41INVENTOR Zmz'ZA.fiezdez;

wwkw ATTORNEYS July 4, 1961 .E. A. BENDER SWIMMING POOL COVER 7Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 29, 1959 INVENTOR ZmzZA.Zez2de; BY

ATTORNEYS Filed May 29, 1959 July 4, 1961 E. A. BENDER SWIMMING POOLCOVER 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INV EN TOR Zma'ZA .iezzd i ATTORNEYS ly 1961 E.A. BENDER 2,990,556

SWIMMING POOL. COVER Filed May 29; 1959 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 a; INVENTOR glrrzzlliiewg L @5 Q2 WE w ATTORNEYS y 4, 1961 E. A. BENDER 2,990,556

SWIMMING P001. COVER Filed May 29, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 1/ l 1 1 EiziMENTOR I Zmz'ZA..5eMz

k ATTORNEYS July 4, 1961 A-. BENDER 2,990,556

SWIMMING POOL COVER Filed May 29, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR 7i 4%Zmz'ZA.3e2zd ATTORNEYS July 4, 1961 E. A. BENDER swmmmc POOL COVER '7Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 29, 1959 I INVENTOR ZvzzZ4.Za;zde;

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ATTORNEYS The present invention relates generally to protectiveapparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool or the like and ismore particularly directed to an improved cover structure together withnovel power actuated apparatus for operating the cover.

In recent years, particularly in the United States, there has been atremendous increase in the construction and use of the relatively smallprivate or residential type swimming pool as contrasted with the largerpublic or group operated type of pool. In the case of the larger pools,the safety problem in preventing accidental drownings is generallyhandled through the employment of professional guards during normalhours of use together with restricted access at such times as the poolis not in use. However, in the case of the smaller or so-called privatepool, it is not generally feasible to employ professional guards in viewof the relatively limited periods of use and, in addition, theconstruction of adequate fencing or other security measures preventingaccess to the pool is both expensive and unsightly in a residentialneighborhood.

It is, accordingly, a principal object of the present invention toprovide a protective cover for a swimming pool of the so-called privatetype which is fully effective in preventing the hazard of accidentaldrowningand yet is fully power actuated for simplicity and ease ofoperation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover of the typedescribed which cannot be removed by trespassers and yet requires nospecial tracks, chains or cables or unsightly fencing which mightdisfigure the appearance of the pool.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cover of the typedescribed which is highly effective in reducing the amount of cleaningof leaves or other debris from the pool, reducing the amount ofbactericidal chemicals required, reducing the filter load and lesseningthe expense of maintaining a heated pool and yet may be completelyremoved from the pool in a very short time and run off as far as may bedesired for washing or storage.

An additional object of the invention is to provide protective apparatusof the type described which is both strong and free from maintenanceexpense and which can be inexpensively produced in relation to theoverall cost of a private type swimming pool.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide protective apparatusof the type described in which the cover constitutes a relatively rigidtruss structure supported by the edges of the pool when in place and isoperatively associated with a self-propelled carrier which lifts, foldsand carries the cover in uncovering the pool and performs a reversesequence of operations in covering the pool.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved coverconstruction for use with the protective apparatus of the typedescribed.

Another object. of the invention is to provide an improvedself-propelled carrier for use with protective apparatus of the typedescribed.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved lockingarrangement for use with protective apparatus of the type described.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a novel structuralmember for use as part of a cover of the type described as well as anovel method of constructing such a member.

A final object of the invention is to provide a novel 2,990,556 PatentedJuly 4, 1961 hinge construction possessing the requisite strengthcharacteristics for use with a panel assembly of the type described.

The foregoing together with other and further objects and advantages ofthe invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in theart from a consideration of the following detailed specification takenin conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawing in which: I

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view, largely schematic and to a vastly reducedscale, illustrating protective apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention in operative position covering a typical private type swimmingpool;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the protective apparatusillustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the left hand portion of theapparatus shown in FIGURE 2 but to a somewhat enlarged scale andillustrating the relative positions of the parts at an intermediatestage in the operation of the device;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a fragment ofthe cover and lock taken substantially along the line 44 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to FIGURES 2 and3 but illustrating the manner in which a pair of panel assemblies areconnected together to form a relatively rigid truss structure;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the left hand portion of theapparatus illustrated in FIGURE 3 but to a somewhat larger scale andwith parts broken away to illustrate the interior construction;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of the carrier illustrated to a smallerscale at the left in FIGURES 2 and 3 with parts broken away to revealthe interior construction;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view at one side of the carrier ofFIGURE 7, taken substantially along the line 88 and showing an edge ofthe swimming pool in cross-section and a portion of the cover beingpositioned to indicate the manner in which the individual hangers areconnected to the cover panel assemblies;

FIGURE 9 is a detail perspective view illustrating one of the hangersper se which support the cover;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical cross-sectional viewtaken substantially along the line 1010 of FIGURE 1 and illustrating theconstruction of one of the valley hinge assemblies;

FIGURE 11 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view similar toFIGURE 10 but taken along the line 11-11 of FIGURE 1 and illustratingthe construction of one of the ridge hinge assemblies;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary end elevational view with parts broken away,taken from the left hand end of FIGURES 2 and 3 and illustrating thecarrier drive to a somewhat larger scale;

FIGURE 13 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 13-13 of FIG- URE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 1414 of FIG- URE 12;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary transverse vertical crosssectional view takensubstantially along the line 1515 of FIGURE 1 and illustrating one ofthe panel splices;

FIGURE 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 1616 of FIGURE 15;

FIGURE 17 is a fragmentary transverse vertical crosssectional view takensubstantially along the line 1717 of FIGURE 1 and illustrating one ofthe panel edge frames;

FIGURE 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially alongthe line 18-18 of FIGURE 17;

FIGURE 19 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the lock assemblyshown at the right hand end of FIG- URES 2 and 3 but with parts brokenaway and in section to reveal the interior construction and with the endhanger shown in two different positions in full and broken lines;

FIGURE 20 is a side elevational view illustrating a modified form oflatch of the type illustrated in FIGURE 19 but showing the sameincorporated in a removable track which may be employed in certain casesin applying the improved cover to existing pool constructions;

FIGURE 21 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional viewtakensubstantially along the line 2121 of FIG- URE 20;

FIGURE 22 is a transverse vertical cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 2222 of FIG- URE 20;

FIGURE 23 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 2323 of FIG- URE 20;

FIGURE 24 is a horizontal transverse cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 2424 of FIG- URE 20;

FIGURE 25 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view takensubstantially along the line 25-25 of FIG- URE 24; and

FIGURE 26 is a schematic top plan view showing how the principles of thepresent invention may be adapted to pools of other than rectangularshape.

Referring now in somewhat greater detail to the various figures of thedrawing and in particular to FIG- URES l and 2 thereof, an improvedprotective apparatus in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in the position it would occupy in covering a typicalprivate swimming pool. The pool is designated by reference numeral 20 inFIGURE 2. and is rectangular in plan form, measuring approximately 20 by40 feet. At one end of the pool there is illustrated a conventionallounge deck 22 which may be of concrete or other desired constructionand a tile border 24, which also may be of concrete or other desiredmaterial, surrounds the top edge of the pool. As illustrated in FIGURES4 and 8, the tile border 24 is generally given an ornamental form fordecorative reasons and, as illustrated in these views, the tiles 24 arerounded at their inner ends to provide a coping 26 completely around thetop inner edge of the pool 20 as well as the deck 22. It will beparticularly noted that, in the pool illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, thecopings 24 along the longitudinal sides of the pool 20 are in the samehorizontal plane as the coping 25 at the left hand edge of the pool(FIGURE 1) and the copings 27 along the side edges of the deck 22whereas the coping 29 at the right hand edge of the pool proper isslightly depressed below the horizontal level of the copings 24, 25 and27. By reason of the slight depression of the coping 29, the coverassembly to be hereinafter more fully described may be readily run awayfrom the pool without obstruction or hindrance and this type ofconstruction is generally preferred where the pool is originally builtin contemplation of the use of a cover in accordance with the presentinvention. As will be hereinafter more fully described, auxiliary trackextension equipment of the type illustrated in FIGURES 20- 25 may beemployed in adapting the cover to existing pools wherein the coping 29occupies the same horizontal plane as the copings 24, 25 and 27.

As illustrated in FIGURE 1, the cover portion of the apparatus is formedof a plurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pooland hingedly connected together in such manner that they may be foldedin accordion fashion. Each panel assembly includes a plurality ofrectangular metal panels 28, in the present case in number, securedwithin interconnected metal frames 30, 32 and 34. The frame members aregiven different reference numerals since they dilier in shape dependingupon their position in the assembly although all are preferably formedas extrusions of a metal such as aluminum or the like. Thecross-sectional shape of the frames 30 is illustrated in FIGURE 15, thatof the frames 32 in FIGURE 17, and that of the frames 34 in FIGURES 10and 11.

The individual panels 28 are preferably made of a light weight metalsuch as aluminum alloy sheet and the top sides of the panels may bepainted with an epoxy type resin offering a wide choice of colors toblend with patio and pool surroundings in a most attractive manner. Thepanels 28 may be assembled into the frame members in a variety of ways.As shown in FIGURES l5 and 17, the frame members 30 and 32 are providedwith slots 36 into which the edges of the panels 28 may be inserted andretained against serrations 38 by means of aluminum or other metal rods40. However, a simpler method of assembly is illustrated in FIGURES l0and 11 in which the edges of the panels 28 are folded back as indicatedby reference number 42, the reversely folded edge 42 engaging with theserrations 38 in the slots 36 to retain the panels 28 firmly engagedtherein. After the individual panels 28 have been assembled into theirrespective frames 30, 32 and 34, the frames are preferably weldedtogether to form complete panel assemblies; as mentioned above five suchpanels in the present case are assembled together to form the individualpanel assemblies extending transversely across the entire width of theswimming pool 20.

It will be noted by reference to FIGURE 1 that the frame members 30extend longitudinally of the pool 20 and, as shown in FIGURE 15, each ofthe frames 30 is provided with two slots 36 thus serving to interconnecttwo adjacent panel sheets 28. However, the frames 32, which also extendlongitudinally of the pool 20, have only a single slot 36 and thus areconnected to only a single panel 28. The frames 32 thus constitute theend or edge frames of the complete cover and, for this reason, may beprovided with vertically depending ribs or flanges 44 which serve tostrengthen the cover edges, reduce the open space between portions ofthe cover and the pool edges, and also enhance the appearance of theassembly.

Referring now particularly to FIGURES l0 and 11, the frame members 34,in addition to retaining the edges 42 of the panels 28 also includeeccentrically hollow rounded portions 46 which serve as the maleportions of the hinges which interconnect the adjacent panel assemblies.In order to accomplish this function, there are provided a plurality offemale hinge members 48 having partially open rounded apertures thereinwithin which the male hinge elements 46 may rotate to a limited extent.In assembling the cover, the female hinge members 48 may be slipped overthe ends of a pair of adjacent male hinge members 46 and slid lengthwiseof the latter (transversely of the pool 20) and held in spaced relationby means of spacers 50.

As previously mentioned, and as will be apparent from FIGURES 2, 3, 5and 6, the cover made up of a plurality of panel assemblies in themanner just described may be folded in accordion fashion and includesalternate ridges 52 and valleys 54 as indicated in FIGURE 2. In order toprovide a substantial degree of rigidity to the structure when it isassembled in operative position as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, theadjacent valley hinges are interconnected by a plurality of cables 56which may be staked or otherwise suitably secured to the valley femalehinge members 48 at the time of assembly as indicated in FIGURE 10. Itwill be noted that alternate hinges as shown along the longitudinalcenter line of the cover in FIGURE 1 are slightly enlarged to indicatethat these are the particular hinges to which the cables 56 are secured.It will be apparent that as the panel assemblies are unfolded to theposition as indicated in FIG- URE 5, the cables 56 will become taut sothat the result ant of the tension in the cables 56 and the compressionin the panel assemblies will form 'a relatively rigid truss structure.Springs 58 are connected between the cables 56 and the female hingeelements 48 along'the ridges of the cover for the purpose of urging thecables 56 upwardly and holding them out of contact with the water in thepool or surface of the ground when the panel assemblies are folded touncover the pool as indicated in FIG- URE 6. It will be understood thatthe number of cables 56 which may be employed in any given installationwill vary in accordance with the overall dimensions of the pool. In anordinary pool 20 by 40 feet in size, I have found that a line of cablesalong the side edges of the cover together with a single line of cablesalong the longitudinal center line of the cover will be adequate.

As indicated above, the panel assembies preferably extend transverselyof the swimming pool and are hingedly connected together for folding ina direction longitudinally of the pool. In order to effectively utilizethe panel trusses previously described for this purpose and at the sametime prevent access to the pool when the cover is is place, it will benoted in FIGURES 2, 3 and 5 that the panel assemblies are so dimensionedas to just fit within the pool with the valleys 54 lying beneath the topedge of the pool and the ridges 52 extending above the top edge by anamount which is insufficient to permit access. To this end, the cover issupported by means of a plurality of hangers one of which is illustratedin v IGURE 9 and designated generally by reference numeral 60. As shownin this view, each of the hangers 60 includes a vertical metal strap 62having a pair of horizontal pintles 64 projecting inwardly from one sideof the strap 62 at the lower end thereof. A rod 66 projects from theopposite or outer side at the upper end of the strap 62 and is held inplace thereon in any convenient manner as by means of a lock nut 68. Aroller 70 is rotatably mounted on the rod 66 at the inner end of thelatter and a foot piece 72 depends from the outer end of the rod 66.

When the cover is in place as shown in FIGURES 2, 4 and 5, at the righthand portion of FIGURE 3, and in full lines in FIGURE 19, the hangers'60 extend downwardly a short distance into the pool, the foot pieces 72resting upon the top side edges of the pool, and the pintles 64 arepivotally engaged with their respective adjacent valley hinges. AlthoughI prefer to employ a pair of pintles 64 on each hanger, it will be notedthat only a single pintle is employed in the hanger illustrated inFIGURE 19 since this particular hanger is at the extreme right hand endof the cover and, instead of interconnecting two adjacent panelassemblies, is merely connected to a single frame element 34 and astrengthening rib 74, the end frame 34 being limited in movement in anyconvenient way as by means of a stop pin 76.

The cover is placed into and out of operative position by means of aself-propelled, power actuated carrier designated generally by referencenumeral 78 and particularly illustrated in FIGURES 7, 12, 13 and 14 andalso shown in assembled condition in FIGURES 2, 3 and 6. As shown inthese views, the carrier 78 comprises a tubular housing 80 which extendstransversely of the pool and is movable longitudinally thereof. At itsouter ends, the housing 80 is rigidly secured in any convenient mannerto a pair of lifting arms 82 which extend forwardly and are held inposition by means of braces 84. It will be particularly noted that theforward or leading ends of the lifting arms 82 are wedge-nosed asindicated by reference numeral 88 in FIGURES 2, 3 and 6 for a purposewhich will hereinafter become more readily understood. The lifting arms82 are preferably of angle shape although the horizontal flange of theangle is cut away at the wedge-nose portions '88 of the arms.

As illustrated particularly in FIGURES 6 and 7, the transverse housing80 of the carrier 78 is secured in any convenient manner as by weldingor the like to a box frame 90 which also extends transversely of thecarrier along the front of the housing '80. The frame 90 serves theirtops.

as an attachment point for the inner ends of the braces 84 which may beattached thereto by means of bolts 92 and nuts 94. The frame also servesas a mounting fixture for a pair of guide wheels 96 which are rotatablymounted upon spindles 98 held in place by nuts 100. A similar pair ofguide wheels 103 is mounted upon spindles 102 adjustably secured inslots 105 adjacent the front ends of the lifting arms 82 and it will beapparent that the guide wheels 96 and 102, being mounted for rotation ina substantially horizontal plane, are adapted to contact the innervertical pool edges, for example the coping 26 as indicated in FIGURE 8,in order to serve as guides during movement of the carrier 78longitudinally of the pool.

The carrier 78, as prevoiusly mentioned, is power actuated and, to thisend, a motor 104 is mounted centrally of the carrier and serves to drivea pair of driving wheels 1116 at the opposite rear sides of the carrier.The motor 104 preferably is secured to and forms a part of a reductiongear housing 108 which is secured in any suitable manner as by means ofbolts 110, nuts 112 and flanges 114- to a suitable platform 116 weldedto the upper central portion of the housing 80 as shown in FIGURE 14. Asshown in FIGURES 7, 12, 13 and 14, the output shaft 118 from thereduction gear housing 108 is connected to a driving sprocket 120connected to a driven sprocket 122 by means of a sprocket chain 124, thedriven sprocket 122-, in turn, being connected to a drive shaft 126connected at its outer ends to the driving wheels 106.

From the description thus far it will be apparent that the motor 104,upon being energized, causes the driving wheels 106 to move the carrier78 in one direction or the other longitudinally of the pool, the drivingwheels and motor being interconnected by means of the drive shaft,sprocket chain and wheel assembly and reduction gear train. It will alsobe understood that the driving wheels 106 are so dimensioned as to runalong the top edges of the pool 20 and, to this end, are preferably madeof a suitable rubber or plastic compound thereby eliminating thenecessity for any special tracks or other unsightly equipment. Anadditional pair of guide wheels 128 is provided adjacent the forwardends of the lifting arms '82 and serve to support the front end of thecarrier 78. The lead wheels 128 are also preferably made of a moldablematerial and, as shown in FIGURE 8, the lead Wheels 128 may be rotatablymounted upon stub axles 130 secured to the lifting arms 82. It will alsobe understood that suitable bearings will be provided for the support ofthe drive shaft 126 within the housing '80 as indicated by referencenumerals 132 and 134 in FIGURE 12. It will also be understood that whileI have selected as a preferred embodiment an electric motor for drivingthe carrier 78, an hydraulic or other power source would be equallyeffective. Furthermore, while I have not illustrated in detail anyparticular circuit or switching arrangement for actuating the electricmotor 104, it will be understood that such details and expedients arewell understood by those skilled in the art and thus, per se, form nopart of the present invention.

As best shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 19, I have provided an automaticlocking device at one end of the pool 20 which is shown at the righthand side of FIG- URE 3 and designated generally by reference numeral136. The locking device 136 simply comprises a pair of rods 138 and 140rigidly secured in the concrete or other structure of the pool atopposite sides of the latter and at one end thereof. It will be noted inFIGURE 19 that the rods 1'38 extend upwardly a greater distance than therods 140 and are bent at substantially a right angle at The verticaldistance between the top of the rods 140 and the bent portions of therods 138 provides a space sufficient to accommodate the ends of the rods66 which, in the case of the end hangers, are extended 7 outwardly asulficient distance to engage the lock as indicated by reference numeral142 in FIGURE 4.

Referring to FIGURES 6 and 14, it will be noted that the end panels 28and male hinge fittings 34- at that end of the assembly opposite fromthe lock 136, namely, at the left in FIGURE 6, are connected to theframe 90 of the carrier 78, and capable of limited rotation relativethereto, by means of a special female hinge fitting 144. The specialfitting 144 is actually one half of one of the valley hinges 48 as shownin FIGURE 10 and a suitable number of these female hinges 144 aresecured to the frame 90 as by means of bolts 146 and are spacedtransversely of the pool to match the other female hinges 48. It willthus be apparent that the cover is attached at one end to the carrier 78and capable of limited rotation relative thereto and is releasablyengageable at its opposite end with the lock 136.

In the description thus far, it has been assumed that the cover inaccordance with the present invention has been applied to a pool of thetype illustrated in FIG- URES 1 and 2 in which the coping 29 at theright hand edge of the pool is slightly depressed below the horizontalplane containing the copings 24, 25 and 27. In the case of certainexisting pools, however, the right hand end coping 29 may lie in thesame horizontal plane as the copings 24, 25 and 27 and, where such isthe case, it will be apparent that certain depending structure on thecarrier 78 extends downwardly below the coping level so that the coping29 would obstruct movement of the carrier and cover onto the copings 27.In order to prevent such obstruction, I have provided auxiliary trackextensions as illustrated in FIGURES 20-25 which serve to elevate thecarrier and its contained load when the latter reaches the right handend of the pool.

As shown in FIGURES 20-25, the track extensions referred to aboveinclude wedge shaped or inclined track sections 148 located immediatelyadjacent the end of the pool and matching sections of uniform height 150which may be used in any desired number. In this form of the device, theautomatic locking device 136 is preferably formed as a part of the trackextensions 148, the rods 138 and 140 being rigidly secured to the trackextensions in any suitable manner as by means of locking bolts or thelike. The end hanger 60 will thus cooperate with the lock 136 as shownin FIGURE 20, in precisely the same manner as previously described inconnection with FIGURE 19 although the engaged position of the hangerwill be somewhat higher. It will be understood that the lead wheels 128and drive wheels 106 of the carrier 78 will travel over the inclined topsurface of the track extension 148 in the same manner as previouslydescribed in connection with travel of the carrier along the coping 24.

Still referring to FIGURES 2025, the track extensions 148-150 arepreferably held in place by means of suitable locating pins 152 whichmay be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the lower edges of thetrack extensions and which may be removably engaged within suitablelocating holes bored or otherwise provided in the top surface of thecoping. The inner edge of the track extension 148 is given a variablecontour as will be noted from a comparison of FIGURES 21 and 22 and, asshown in both these views, the inner edge of the coping 24 is preferablycut away as indicated by reference numeral 154 to engage and support theinner edges of the track extensions. The top inner surfaces of all ofthe track extensions are also preferably beveled as indicated byreference numeral 156 in order to provide ample clearance for thestructure which depends from the carrier 78 as previously mentioned.

It will be apparent that the track extensions may be made in any desiredlength depending upon the individual wishes of the user. Preferably, theadditional track extensions 150 are joined to the track extensions 148and to each other in a removable manner such as indicated in FIGURES 24and 25. As shown in these views, the track 148 is provided with atransverse tongue or bracket 158 welded or otherwise suitably securedtherein and the track extension carries a similar bracket located so asto overlie the bracket 158 when the track extensions are placedtogether. When thus located, a pair of pins 162 mounted on the bracket160 drop into matching holes provided in bracket 158 thereby serving tohold the track sections together against longitudinal or horizontaldisplacement.

As mentioned above, it is an object of the present invention to providean automatic cover which does not require any special tracks or fittingsand it will be understood that such is true with respect to that form ofthe device illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 and as described in thestatement of operation which follows. However, the provision of thetrack extensions as illustrated in FIGURES 20-25 renders the apparatussuitable for existing pools Whereas these track extensions themselvesare relatively small and, in addition to being readily removable, at notime obstruct the edges of the pool proper.

Where the device is employed in connection with a pool of irregularshape such as that illustrated in FIG- URE 26 and indicated by referencenumeral 164, a rectangular coping 166 may be constructed around the poolto serve as a track for the carrier 78.

Operation With the cover in operative position as shown in FIGURES 1 and2, the swimming pool 20 is completely protected with the possibleexception of the very small spaces between the ridges 52 and the toppool edges. Under these conditions, the extensions 142 of the rods 66are engaged with the rods 138 as shown in full lines in FIGURE 19 andcannot be lifted upwardly to release the cover by reason of thehorizontally bent portion of the rods 138. The right hand end of thecover thus cannot be lifted to permit unauthorized access to the pool.At the same time, the left hand end of the cover is attached to thecarrier 78 and, by reason of the weight and bulk of the latter, thecover also may not be lifted at this end. Also, at this time the cables56 are fully extended and taut and, in conjunction with the panels 28form rigid truss structures capable of supporting the weight of evenheavy individuals.

In order to uncover the pool, a suitable switch is operated to cause themotor 104 to rotate the wheels 106 through the reduction gear 108, shaft118, sprockets 120 and 122, sprocket chain 124 and drive shaft 126, insuch manner as to cause the entire carrier 78 to move to the right. Atthe beginning of the operation, the cover is supported partially withinthe edges of the pool 20 by means of the foot pieces 72 which rest uponthe copings 26. However, as the carrier 78 moves to the right, thewedge-nosed portions 88 of the lifting arms 82 at the sides of thecarrier successively engage the rollers 70 of the hangers 60. Since thehangers also support the cover panel assemblies through the engagementof the pintles 64 and the male hinge members 46, as the rollers 70 moveupwardly over the wedge-noses 88, the hangers and panel assemblies willbe lifted upwardly onto the lifting arms 82. During this operation thepanel assemblies are successively folded in accordion style so that asthe carrier continues to move to the right, eventually all of the panelassemblies will be supported on and carried by the carrier 78.

As the carrier 78 continues to move to the right, the hangers and panelassemblies occupy sequential positions somewhat as illustrated in FIGURE3. It is to be particularly noted that, during this entire operation,the carrier is supported and guided upon the coping of the swimming poolby means of the drive wheels 106, the lead wheels 128, and thehorizontally disposed guide wheels 96 and 102. When the wedge-nosedportions 88 9 of the carrier 78-reach the extreme right end of .theswimming pool and contact the rollers 7 on the end rods 66, the rodextensions 142 will be lifted upwardly between the rods 138 and 140 ofthe lock 136, that is, from the 'full to the dotted line positions asshown in FIGURE 19.

As soon as the rod extensions 142 reach their uppermost or dotted linepositions inFlGURE 19, continued movement of the carrier 78 causes therods 142 to move horizontally to the right through the open spacebetween the horizontal portion of rod 138 and the top of rod 140. Itwill be particularly noted that once the lock has been disengaged inthis manner, the carrier '78, which now supports and carries the entirecover, may be run any desired distance away from the pool therebyremoving any obstruction to full enjoyment of the facility and alsomaking it possible to wash the cover or repair the apparatus at adistance sufficiently removed from the pool proper.

In order to cover the pool, the operation is exactly the reverse ofthatjust described. In this case, a suitable switch is actuated to operatethe motor 104 in a reverse direction and as the carrier 78 approachesthe end of the pool moving from right to left, the rod extensions 142pass over the rods 140 and engage the rods 138 to hold the right handend of the cover. Continued movement of the carrier 78 causes therollers 70 at the right hand end of the cover to drop down the inclineof the wedge-noses 88, the hangers 60 moving from the dotted to the fullline position as show-n in FIGURE 19. The same sequence of operations isfollowed as the carrier 78 moves to the left, the successive hangers andpanel assemblies rolling down the inclines 88 to permit the shoe pieces'72 to support the cover in operative position.

While there is disclosed herein a preferred embodiment of the inventionsolely for the purpose of illustration, it will be obvious that numerousmodifications, alterations and deviations will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention asdefined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. Protective apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming poolcomprising a plurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of thepool, a plurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies inaccordion fold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys,cables interconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfoldingmovement of said panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables totheir respective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers for supporting saidpanel assemblies each including a vertical strap having a horizontalpintle projecting from one side of the lower end thereof pivotallyengaged with its respective adjacent valley hinge and a rod projectingfrom the opposite side at the upper end of said strap having a rollerrotatably mounted at its inner end and a foot piece depending from itsouter end, locking means at one end of said pool releasab'ly engageablewith one end panel assembly, and a self-propelled carrier pivotallyconnected to the op posite end panel assembly and extending transverselyof said pool and movable longitudinally thereof, said carrier having amotor mounted centrally thereon, a pair of driving wheels at theopposite rear sides of said carrier engageable with the top edges ofsaid pool, a drive shaft, a sprocket chain and wheel assembly and areduction gear train operatively interconnecting said motor and saiddriving wheels, a pair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extending forwardlyat opposite sides of said carrier and engageable with said rollers foralternately lifting and lowering said hangers to raise and lower saidfoot pieces relative to the top edges of said pool, and lead wheels andguide wheels rotatably mounted adjacent the forward ends of said liftingarms and engageable respectively with the honizontal and verticalsurfaces at the top side edges of said pool.

interconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers for supporting saidpanel assemblies each including a vertical strap having a horizontalpintle projecting from one side of the lower end thereof pivotallyengaged with its respective adjacent valley hinge and a rod projectingfrom the opposite side at the upper end of said strap having a rollerrotatably mounted at its inner end and a foot piece depending from itsouter end, locking means at one end of said pool releasably engageablewith one end panel assembly, and a selfpropelled carrier pivotallyconnected to the opposite end panel assembly and extending transverselyof said pool and movable longitudinally thereof, said carrier having amotor mounted centrally thereon, a pair of driving Wheels at theopposite rear sides of said carrier engageable with the top edges ofsaid pool, a drive shaft, a sprocket chain and wheel assembly and areduction gear train operatively interconnecting said motor and saiddriving wheels, and a pair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extendingforwardly at opposite sides of said carrier and engageable with saidrollers for alternately lifting and lowering said hangers to raise andlower said foot Pieces relative to the top edges of said pool.

3. Protective apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming poolcomprising a plurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of thepool, a plurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies inaccordion fold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys,cables interconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfoldingmovement of said panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables totheir respective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers for supporting saidpanel assemblies each including a vertical strap having a horizontalpintle projecting from one side of the lower end thereof pivotallyengaged with its respective adjacent valley hinge and a rod projectingfrom the opposite side at the upper end of said strap having a rollerrotatably mounted at its inner end and a foot piece depending from itsouter end, locking means at one end of said pool releasably engageablewith one end panel assembly, and a self-propelled carrier pivotallyconnected to the opposite end panel assembly and extending transverselyof said pool and movable longitudinally thereof, a pair of drivingwheels at the opposite rear sides of said carrier engageable with thetop edges of said pool, means for rotating said driving wheels, and apair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extending forwardly at opposite sidesof said carrier and engageable with said rollers for alternately liftingand lowering said hangers to raise and lower said foot pieces relativeto the top edges of said pool.

4. Protective apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming poolcomprising a plurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of thepool, a plurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies inaccordion fold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys,cables interconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfoldingmovement of said panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables totheir respective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers for supporting saidpanel assemblies each including a vertical strap having a horizontalpintle projecting from one side of the lower end thereof pivotallyengaged with its respective adjacent valley hinge and a rod projectingfrom the opposite side at the upper end of said strap having a rollerrotatably mounted at its inner end and a foot piece depending from itsouter end, locking means at one end of said pool releasably engageablewith one end panel assembly, and a self-propelled carrier pivotallyconnected to the opposite end panel assembly and movable longitudinallyof said pool, and a pair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extending forwardlyat opposite sides of said carrier and engageable with said rollers foralternately lifting and lowering said hangers to raise and lower saidfoot pieces relative to the top edges of said pool.

5. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers pivotally connectedto said valley hinges for supporting said panel assemblies each having aroller at its upper end, locking means at one end of said poolreleasably engageable with one end panel assembly, and a self-propelledcarrier pivotally connected to the opposite end panel assembly andmovable longitudinally of said pool, said carrier including a pair ofwedge-nosed lifting arms extending forwardly at opposite sides thereofand engageable with said rollers to lift said hangers and to fold andcarry said panel assemblies as the pool is uncovered.

6. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers pivotally connectedto said valley hinges for supporting said panel assemblies each having aroller at its upper end, and a self-pro pelled carrier pivotallyconnected to an end panel assembly and movable longitudinally of saidpool, said carrier including a pair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extendigforwardly at opposite sides thereof and engageable with said rollers tolift said hangers and to fold and carry said panel assemblies as thepool is uncovered.

7. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers connected to saidpanel assemblies, and a self-propelled carrier pivotally connected to anend panel assembly and movable longitudinally of said pool, said carrierincluding a pair of wedge-nosed lifting arms extending forwardly atopposite sides thereof and engageable with said hangers to fold andcarry said panel assemblies as the pool is uncovered.

8. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, a plurality of hangers connected to saidpanel assemblies, and a carrier movable longitudinally of said pool andengageable with said hangers to fold and carry said panel assemblies asthe pool is uncovered.

9. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames, and a carrier connected to said panelassemblies for lifting, folding and carrying the same as the pool isuncovered.

10. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, and a carrier connected to said panelassemblies for lifting, folding and carrying the same as the pool isuncovered.

11. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies, and a carrier connected to said panel assembliesfor lifting, folding and carrying the same as the pool is uncovered.

12. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies, hinge means interconnecting said panelassemblies in accordion fold arrangement, means limiting unfoldingmovement of said panel assemblies, and a carrier connected to said panelassemblies for lifting, folding and carrying the same as the pool isuncovered.

13. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising acover foldable in accordion ar rangement, and a carrier operativelyassociated with said cover for folding and carrying the same as the poolis uncovered.

14. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising a plurality ofpanel assemblies adapted to extend transversely across a pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies and springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges, each of said panel assembliesincluding a plurality of rectangular metal panels secured withininterconnected metal frames.

15. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising a plurality ofrigid panel assemblies adapted to extend transversely across a pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, cablesinterconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfolding movement ofsaid panel assemblies and springs connecting said cables to theirrespective adjacent ridge hinges.

16. A cover for swimming pools and the like comprising a plurality ofrigid panel assemblies adapted to extend transversely across a pool, aplurality of hinges 13 interconnecting said panel assemblies inaccordion fold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, andcables interconnecting adjacent valley hinges to limit unfoldingmovement of said panel assemblies.

17. Apparatus for covering and uncovering a swimming pool comprising aplurality of panel assemblies extending transversely of the pool, aplurality of hinges interconnecting said panel assemblies in accordionfold arrangement providing alternate ridges and valleys, a plurality ofhangers connected to said panel assemblies adjacent said valley hingesoutwardly of the hinge axis, and a carrier pivotally connected to an endpanel assembly and movable longitudinally of said pool, said carrierincluding a pair of lifting arms extending forwardly at opposite sidesthereof and engageable with said hangers to :fold and carry said panelassemblies as the pool is uncovered.

18. The combination of claim 17 including support wheels for saidcarrier.

19. The combination of claim 17 including guide means extending belowsaid carrier for contacting the side walls of the swimming pool.

20. The combination of claim 17 including locking means pivotallyconnected to the end panel assembly remote from the carrier, forsecuring the apparatus to a fixed point adjacent one end of said pool.

21. The combination of claim 20 wherein the locking means includes meanspositively effective to engage said fixed point, operative with thecover in partially and completely extended position and inoperative withthe cover in retracted position.

References Cited intthe file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,723,307 Sipe Aug. 6, 1929 2,175,605 Holub Oct. 10, 1939 2,335,361Schiller Nov. 30, 1943 2,699,827 Carson Jan. 18, 1955 2,708,779 TigerMay 24, 1955 2,753,828 Mege July 10, 1956 2,788,849 Lingard Apr. 16,1957 2,789,668 Martin Apr. 23, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 309,478 SwitzerlandNov. 16, 1955

